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VIDEO: DIY Peapod and Anorak test

Hey guys!

This could've been posted in either the top or bottom insulation sections, but I decided here since both of these items are DIY. I basically just converted a Canadian army down sleeping bag (the inner bag of the system), into a peapod for cold weather hammocking.

This test was only with the peapod, as it was very warm outside. The second thing I tested was a DIY Anorak made out of a French military 95% wool blanket. I was able to score the sleeping bag for 50$ and the blanket for 25$ at my local Surplus store, so very pleased about that

Hope you enjoy this short(ish) Video!

Feel free to ask any questions

The anorak was made using this template, found on bladeforums and Pintrest:

Last edited by UpMySleeves; 02-22-2014 at 21:09.

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up and snow is exhilarating. There is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." -John Ruskin

Thanks for the video, lots of good ideas going there. Please post your future outing, and how it all works for you.

I will definately make a video out of it! I'm planning a trip in March, so I hope the nights stay chilly

Originally Posted by photosenior

Nicely done. I've been looking at making a peaopod for a while. I've seen others with shock cord through the hood of the bad to keep it up- seems like a good idea.
Thanks for sharing!
Ben

The shock cord is indeed a good idea. It was floppy at first but when I got in it, especially with the underquilt protector, it didn't sag as much. I'll make use of the many tie-outs on the bag for sure.

Originally Posted by Bushwhacker

I've gotta say - your Anorak is giving me pangs of jealousy.

I know what you feel! I saw a few videos of HikingDad, Shug and others with Anoraks in winter and really wanted to make one. I'm not much of a DIYer but my friend did a great job.

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up and snow is exhilarating. There is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." -John Ruskin

Nice job.
Love the anorak. The pattern seems easy..hopefully it works for a XXXL anorak. (might need two blankets?)

Pod- I suspend my pod systems like a uq (shockcord at the head and foot ends, to the hammock suspension). It works the best, IME. The pod can drape on your chest better, vs. being held aloft via the rl. The uq style suspension holds the pod when unzipped, for entry/exit, and eliminates a need for a rl. Then zip it up, as needed. Warm system. Some find a small quilt inside the pod adds warmth across the chest/stomach area where the pod is held up because of the hammock sides. Even a jacket can reduce any drafts.
I hate velcro. It seems to come undone at bad times. Try a channel with shockcord/cordlocks for the end.
Plus I hate hear "riiipppppp" in the middle of the night, if I turn/toss in the hammock. No hammocker wants to hear that.

Nice job.
Love the anorak. The pattern seems easy..hopefully it works for a XXXL anorak. (might need two blankets?)

Pod- I suspend my pod systems like a uq (shockcord at the head and foot ends, to the hammock suspension). It works the best, IME. The pod can drape on your chest better, vs. being held aloft via the rl. The uq style suspension holds the pod when unzipped, for entry/exit, and eliminates a need for a rl. Then zip it up, as needed. Warm system. Some find a small quilt inside the pod adds warmth across the chest/stomach area where the pod is held up because of the hammock sides. Even a jacket can reduce any drafts.
I hate velcro. It seems to come undone at bad times. Try a channel with shockcord/cordlocks for the end.
Plus I hate hear "riiipppppp" in the middle of the night, if I turn/toss in the hammock. No hammocker wants to hear that.

Thanks for taking us along.

Yes I'm not a big guy, so for the Anorak I suggest using two blankets! The French army blanket I used was smaller than the US ones, so even for my size, I didn't have enough for a hood. Will probably add that later on.

Thanks for the suggestions on the Pod. This was my first test and learned a lot. Sticky velcro doesn't work in cold haha. I will probably try a channel at the end. I will also try shockcord as it's a cheap solution to sag. Fortunately, the use of an UQP helps with that.

Thanks again for the comments, it's appreciated!

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up and snow is exhilarating. There is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." -John Ruskin